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For the second consecutive year the Chevrolet Corvette leads the list of stolen collector vehicles in a recent study conducted by the Hagerty Protection Network (HPN) between January and December 2003. The survey also reveals that most collector cars were stolen from private residences (44.3 percent) than any other locale.

“Our 2003 claims data indicates that California, Michigan and Florida are the top three states in which collector vehicles are most likely to be stolen,” says McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance, “with May, June and July recording the highest number of thefts.”

Hagerty’s data also reveals that the most dangerous place to leave a collector car unattended was not a public parking lot as in previous years, but at home – in a driveway or garage.

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To better protect your collector car, Hagerty suggests that owners adopt the “layered approach” to vehicle protection proposed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Professional thieves can steal any car given enough time, but hobbyists and enthusiasts should make them work hard for that collectible treasure.

Start with common sense. Remove keys from the ignition, lock all doors, and close all windows. Park in well-lit areas and be aware of the possible hazards of leaving a vehicle unmonitored for extended periods. Remove cell phones, briefcases, purses, cash, or other valuables from plain sight.

The second layer of protection should be a visible or audible warning device such as an audible alarm, steering column collar, steering wheel or brake pedal locks, wheel locks, tire locks, theft deterrent decals or identification markers on the vehicle, and window etching and/or laminated glass.

A dedicated recovery system is an important third layer. Hagerty’s claims data indicates that most stolen collector vehicles are never recovered. From a sampling of collector vehicles reported stolen in 2003, only about 20 percent were recovered, and only 1 of those was recovered with no damage. Most recovered vehicles are in need of major repairs. The dollar damage on 87 percent of Hagerty’s recovered vehicles in 2003 was equal to or greater than the total value of the insured vehicle.

For more information on Hagerty Insurance and the Hagerty Protection Network, call 800/922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.